OBJECTIVE: In a previous pilot monocentric study, we investigated the relation
between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotype and multiple sclerosis (MS)
disease progression over 2 years. HLA-A*02 allele was correlated with better
outcomes, whereas HLA-B*07 and HLA-B*44 were correlated with worse outcomes. The
objective of this extension study was to further investigate the possible
association of HLA genotype with disease status and progression in MS as measured
by sensitive and complex clinical and imaging parameters.
METHODS: Hundred and forty-six MS patients underwent HLA typing. Over a 4-year
period of follow-up, we performed three clinical and magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) assessments per patient, which respectively included Expanded Disability
Status Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Severity Scale, Timed-25-Foot-Walk, 9-Hole Peg
Test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Brief Visual Memory Test, California Verbal
Learning Test-II, and whole-brain atrophy, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery
(FLAIR) lesion volume change and number of new FLAIR lesions using icobrain. We
then compared the clinical and MRI outcomes between predefined HLA patient
groups.
RESULTS: Results of this larger study with a longer follow-up are in line with
what we have previously shown. HLA-A*02 allele is associated with potentially
better MS outcomes, whereas HLA-B*07, HLA-B*44, HLA-B*08, and HLA-DQB1*06 with a
potential negative effect. Results for HLA-DRB1*15 are inconclusive.
CONCLUSION: In the era of MS treatment abundance, HLA genotype might serve as an
early biomarker for MS outcomes to inform individualized treatment decisions.